Core Viewpoint - Zhongsheng Holdings (00881) reported a total revenue of RMB 77.322 billion for the six months ending June 30, 2025, representing a year-on-year decrease of 6.2% [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders was RMB 1.011 billion, down 36% year-on-year, with basic earnings per share of RMB 0.427 [1] Revenue and Profit Analysis - The after-sales service revenue reached RMB 11.45 billion, an increase of 4.4% year-on-year, with after-sales gross profit rising to RMB 5.44 billion, up 8.1% [1] - The strong financial performance was driven by 4.54 million active customers, leading to 4 million after-sales service visits, which grew by 15.2% and 1.7% respectively [1] Network Optimization and Store Adjustments - Since November 2024, the company has completed its largest network optimization, involving the restructuring of existing stores and the establishment of new service centers [1] - Over 20% of stores participated in this adjustment, resulting in the addition of 57 dealerships and 20 service centers, while 37 dealerships were closed [1] Sales Performance - New car sales totaled approximately 229,000 units, a decrease of about 4,000 units or 1.7% year-on-year [2] - The AITO brand contributed 11,000 new car sales, partially offsetting declines in other brands, with luxury brand sales accounting for 62.3% of total sales [2] Used Car Market Dynamics - The company sold approximately 111,000 used cars, a year-on-year increase of 9.6%, but used car revenue fell by 27% to RMB 6.02 billion, with a 33.4% drop in revenue per vehicle [3] - The decline in used car prices was influenced by government policies promoting trade-in programs, leading to a higher proportion of older vehicles in the company's inventory [3] - Nearly 80% of the used cars sold were over six years old, which negatively impacted profitability, resulting in a 60.2% decline in the used car segment's overall profit [3]

Core Insights - 中升控股 reported a total revenue of RMB 77.322 billion for the six months ending June 30, 2025, a decrease of 6.2% year-on-year [1] - The profit attributable to the parent company was RMB 1.011 billion, down 36% year-on-year, with basic earnings per share at RMB 0.427 [1] Revenue and Profit Analysis - The group's after-sales service revenue reached RMB 11.45 billion, an increase of 4.4% year-on-year, with after-sales gross profit at RMB 5.44 billion, up 8.1% [1] - The strong financial performance was driven by 4.54 million active customers, resulting in 4 million after-sales service visits, which grew by 15.2% and 1.7% respectively [1] Network Optimization and Store Adjustments - Since November 2024, the company has completed its largest network optimization, involving the restructuring of existing stores and the establishment of new service centers [1] - Over 20% of stores participated in this adjustment, with 57 new dealerships and 20 new service centers opened, while 37 dealerships were closed [1] Sales Performance - New car sales for the first half of 2025 totaled approximately 229,000 units, a decrease of about 4,000 units or 1.7% year-on-year [2] - The AITO brand contributed 11,000 new car sales, partially offsetting declines in other brands, with luxury brand sales accounting for 62.3% of total sales [2] Used Car Market Dynamics - The company sold approximately 111,000 used cars, a year-on-year increase of 9.6%, but used car revenue fell by 27% to RMB 6.02 billion, with a 33.4% drop in revenue per vehicle [3] - The decline in used car prices was influenced by government policies promoting trade-in programs, leading to a higher proportion of older vehicles in the company's inventory [3] - Nearly 80% of the used cars sold were over six years old, which negatively impacted profitability, resulting in a comprehensive profit of approximately RMB 300 million, down 60.2% year-on-year [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the second quarter were $1,340 million, down 1% on a constant currency basis [27] - Adjusted EBITDA was $293 million, up 3% on a constant currency basis [27] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.89, up 7% as reported and 10% on a constant currency basis [28] - Adjusted tax rate improved to 24.4% from 25.5% in the same period last year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food segment net sales were $896 million, flat as favorable pricing offset softer volumes [30] - Protective segment net sales were $439 million, down 3% as reported and 4% in constant currency [33] - Food adjusted EBITDA was $210 million, up 3%, with a margin of 23.4%, up 50 basis points [32] - Protective adjusted EBITDA was $78 million, down 5%, with a margin of 17.8%, up 20 basis points from the first quarter [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. beef cycle saw a decline of 7% in slaughter rates, impacting the food segment [22] - EMEA region for food showed strength with volumes up low single digits [32] - North American market pressures accelerated in the second quarter, affecting food service and industrial processing [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its Protective segment and improving customer engagement [12][14] - New product innovations include the Jiffy embossed paper mailer and hybrid auto vac solutions [15] - The company is optimizing its manufacturing footprint and has opened a new facility in Lakeland, Florida [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a stable second quarter despite global trade uncertainties and tariff impacts [10][11] - The company remains cautious about the second half of the year due to market uncertainties and lower growth expectations [17] - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation and capital allocation discipline, with net debt below $4 billion for the first time since 2022 [25][26] Other Important Information - The company is maintaining its sales guidance range of $5.1 billion to $5.5 billion and adjusted EBITDA guidance of $1.075 billion to $1.175 billion [36] - Free cash flow guidance remains at $400 million, with capital expenditures expected to be lower than originally anticipated [38] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: What does the volume impact for the second half look like for food? - Management expects a volume mix in the second half to be down three points in Q3 and Q4, primarily due to consumer spending shifts [46] Question: How should we think about near-term outlook for margins specific to food? - Management indicated that while there is a margin impact from volume loss, network optimization efforts are expected to balance out margins [55] Question: Can you talk about specific cost takeouts expected for the second half? - Management highlighted a focus on cost takeout initiatives, aiming for approximately $90 million in savings for the full year [60] Question: Are you seeing any slowdown in bidding and order activity? - Management reported no significant change in order patterns and remains optimistic about the performance of the industrial portfolio [71] Question: Why is the adjusted EBITDA range for 2025 so wide? - Management attributed the wide range to conservatism and low visibility regarding end markets, preferring to wait for more clarity in Q3 [78] Question: Can you describe your issue with procuring specialty resins? - Management clarified that there are no procurement issues but noted challenges related to tariffs impacting certain specialty resins [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2025 were $1.34 billion, down 1% on a constant currency basis [24] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $293 million, up 3% on a constant currency basis [24] - Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.89, up 7% as reported and 10% on a constant currency basis [25] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 22%, up 70 basis points [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food segment net sales were $896 million, flat as favorable pricing offset softer volumes [28] - Protective segment net sales were $439 million, down 3% as reported and 4% in constant currency [31] - Food adjusted EBITDA was $210 million, up 3%, with a margin of 23.4%, up 50 basis points [30] - Protective adjusted EBITDA was $78 million, down 5%, with a margin of 17.8%, up 20 basis points from the first quarter [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. beef cycle saw a decline of 7%, impacting the overall protein markets [20] - EMEA and Asia regions for the food business showed strength with volumes up low single digits [30] - The North American market faced pressures, particularly in the food service sector, leading to a shift in consumer spending [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming its Protective segment and improving customer engagement [12] - A new Chief Financial Officer, Kristin Actis Grande, is expected to drive transformation and shareholder value [6][7] - The company is optimizing its manufacturing footprint and has opened a new facility in Lakeland, Florida [15] - The strategy includes simplifying the organization and moving closer to the markets served [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a stable second quarter despite global trade uncertainties and tariff impacts [9] - The company remains cautious about the second half of the year due to market uncertainties and lower growth expectations [15][23] - The outlook for the food business is impacted by shifting consumer spending patterns, particularly towards value grocery [18] Other Important Information - The company generated $81 million in free cash flow in the first half of 2025 [32] - The net leverage ratio was 3.6 times, with a goal to reduce it to approximately 3.0 times by 2026 [32] - The company is maintaining its sales guidance range of $5.1 billion to $5.5 billion for the year [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of beef headwinds on volume expectations - Management indicated that the cattle cycle is expected to impact volumes, with a forecast of down 3% to 4% for 2025 and flat in 2027 [41][43] Question: Near-term outlook for food margins - Management expressed confidence in maintaining margins despite headwinds, citing ongoing productivity improvements [51][52] Question: Specific cost savings and guidance maintenance - Management highlighted ongoing cost takeout initiatives and network optimization efforts to bolster earnings [57][58] Question: Order activity and market dynamics - Management reported no significant changes in order patterns and remains optimistic about internal initiatives driving growth [66][68] Question: Full year EBITDA range and conservatism - Management clarified that the wide EBITDA range reflects conservatism due to market volatility and uncertainty [74] Question: Specialty resins procurement challenges - Management noted that while procurement is not an issue, tariff impacts have affected certain specialty resins [76][78] Question: Cattle cycle in South America and Australia - Management indicated strong performance in both regions, with expectations for continued strength [94][95]

Core Viewpoint - Jinan Unicom focuses on the youth group as a core driving force for innovation and development, aligning with the group's strategic direction to enhance high-quality growth through various initiatives [1] Group 1: Youth Assault Teams - Jinan Unicom has established 13 youth assault teams under a "3+3+3" model to tackle key projects and challenges, enhancing the company's operational capabilities [2] - The business youth assault team is leveraging product resources to expand digital projects, while the university teams are implementing tailored marketing strategies to boost business growth [2] - The network optimization team ensures stable network support for major events, receiving recognition as an excellent case in the "Youth Assault Team Action" by the Jinan Youth League [2] Group 2: Youth Civilization Initiative - The company has created a "Youth Civilization" service brand, establishing 30 service units, including 5 national and 13 provincial units, to enhance service quality [4] - Training and performance comparisons among service staff are conducted to improve service awareness and innovate service methods [4] - Initiatives include personalized services in business halls and online fraud prevention campaigns, showcasing a commitment to quality service [4] Group 3: Youth Safety Production Demonstration Posts - Jinan Unicom is advancing youth safety production demonstration posts, focusing on equipment maintenance and engineering construction to enhance safety management [6] - Activities include skill competitions and practical training to improve safety awareness and emergency response skills among young employees [6] - The initiative aims to instill a strong sense of responsibility for safety in the workforce [6] Group 4: Youth Innovation and Creativity - The company has formed 9 youth innovation interest groups in areas like artificial intelligence and network optimization, encouraging young employees to take on significant roles in innovation [8] - The "Smart Youth" innovation group has been recognized as a benchmark in AI innovation, while various labs and QC groups are established to drive cost reduction and efficiency [8] - Participation in competitions has led to recognition for young talents, highlighting their innovative capabilities [8] Group 5: Youth Volunteer Service Teams - Jinan Unicom has four youth volunteer service teams engaged in anti-fraud campaigns, rural revitalization, community service, and environmental protection [10] - Volunteers provide professional support in agriculture and conduct educational activities to raise awareness about fraud [10] - Environmental initiatives include tree planting and community engagement, reflecting the company's commitment to social responsibility [10]